Editing Junagadh

{{About|the city in Gujarat, India||Junagarh (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}

'''Junagadh''' ({{audio|Junagadh.ogg|જૂનાગઢ}}) is the city and headquarters of [[Junagadh district]] in the [[Indian state]] of [[Gujarat]]. Located at the foot of the [[Girnar hill]]s, {{convert|355|km}} southwest of [[Ahmedabad]] and [[Gandhinagar]] (the state capital), it is the seventh largest city in the state. It is dominated by the Chudasama clan of Rajputs since ancient times.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Trivedi |first=Harshad R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xWABAAAAMAAJ&q=chudasama+rajputs |title=The Mers of Saurashtra: An Exposition of Their Social Structure and Organisation |date=1961 |publisher=Faculty of Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |language=en}}</ref>  
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Junagadh
| settlement_type    = City
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
| photo1a                = Gate of Junagadh.jpg
| photo2a                = Narsinh Mehta.jpg
| photo2b                = Girnar hills.jpg
|photo3a = Damodar Kund - Junagadh - Gujarat - DSC005.jpg
|photo3b = Damodar Kund - Junagadh - Gujarat - DSC004.jpg
| photo4a                = Swaminarayan Temple - Junagadhdham.jpg
| photo4b                = Bahauddin Maqbara by Kshitij.jpg
| size                   = 280
| spacing                = 1
| position               = centre
| border                 = 0
| color                  = gray
}}
| image_alt          = Junagadh
| image_caption      = From top:  Gate of the city of Junagadh, Statue of [[Narsinh Mehta]], Girnar Hills, [[Radha Damodar Temple, Junagadh]], [[Damodar Kund]], [[Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Junagadh]], Mahabat Maqbara
| pushpin_map        = India Gujarat#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt    = Junagadh
| pushpin_map_caption = Junagadh ([[Gujarat]])
| coordinates        = {{coord|21|31|19.9|N|70|27|28.4|E|display=inline,title}}[https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Junagadh&params=21_31_19.9_N_70_27_28.4_E_type:city(319462)_region:IN-GJ]
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Flag of Gujarat.svg}} [[Gujarat]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]]
| governing_body     = [[Junagadh Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_party       = [[BJP]]
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Geetaben Parmar<ref>{{cite news |title=Junagadh Gets New Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Other Office Holders |url=https://www.deshgujarat.com/2022/01/31/junagadh-gets-new-mayor-dy-mayor-other-office-bearers/ |date=31 January 2022 |website=DeshGujarat |access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref>
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_rank          = 7th
| area_total_km2     = 160
| elevation_m        = 102.27
| population_total   = 4,65,000
| population_as_of   = 2025
| population_rank    = 137
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_footnotes = <ref name=2011Cities>{{cite web |title=Junagadh City Population Census 2011 {{!}} Gujarat |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/331-junagadh.html|website=www.census2011.co.in |access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info        = 1.04 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 36200x
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone]] code
| area_code          = +91285xxxxxxx
| registration_plate = GJ-11
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Literacy rate]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = 88.00%
| website            = {{URL|junagadhmunicipal.org}}
| official_name      = 
| subdivision_type3  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Junagadh district|Junagadh]]
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporation]]
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]s
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = {{hlist|[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]|[[Hindi]]}}
| established_date   = 319 BCE
| established_title  = Established
}}

Literally translated, Junagadh means "Old Fort".<ref name=Madan>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/179 179]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> It was a part of Saurashtra state and later Bombay state. In 1960, in consequence of the Maha Gujarat movement, it became part of the newly formed Gujarat state.

==History==
{{cleanup rewrite|section=yes|date=November 2017}}

===Early history===
[[File:Junagadh-ashok-shilalekh1.png|thumb|left|[[Ashoka's Major Rock Edict|Ashoka's Rock Edict]] at [[Girnar]], Junagadh]]

As per the legend, the founder of the Ror Dynasty Raja Dhaj, Ror Kumar, also known as [[Rai Diyach|Rai Dyach]], ruled over the principality of Jhunagarh in the fifth century BC.<ref>{{cite book| title=Mystic Melodies: Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai |author= MUSHTAQ ALI SHAH | publisher= Author House| place=Bloomington,IN,US| year=2014|isbn= 9781496996060 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpGQBQAAQBAJ&q=raja+dhaj%2CRor+Kumar%2C+alias+Rai+Dyach&pg=PA283}}</ref> An early structure, [[Uparkot Fort]], is located on a plateau in the middle of town. It was originally built in 319 BCE during the [[Mauryan dynasty]] by [[Chandragupta Maurya|Chandragupta]].{{cn|date=August 2022}} The fort remained in use until the 6th century, after which it was abandoned for approximately 300 years. It was later rediscovered by the Chudasama ruler [[Graharipu]] in 976 CE.<ref name="RajanIndia1985">{{cite book|author1=K. V. Soundara Rajan|author2=Archaeological Survey of India|title=Junagadh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bPNEAAAAIAAJ|access-date=30 June 2011|year=1985|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref> The fort was subsequently besieged 16 times over a 1000-year period. One unsuccessful siege lasted twelve years.

Within {{convert|2|km}} of [[Uparkot Fort]] is an inscription with fourteen [[Edicts of Ashoka]] on a [[Ashoka's Major Rock Edict|large boulder]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=rs0ThKx9MHoC&q=junagadh M1  Ranchodji Amarji, ''Târikh-i-Soraṭh: A History of the Provinces of Soraṭh and Hâlâr in Kâthiâwâd,'' pp. 36–46, Trubner & Co. (1882) – translation of the edicts.]</ref> The inscriptions are in [[Brāhmī script|Brahmi]] script in a language similar to [[Pali]] and date from 250 BCE. On the same rock there is a later inscription in [[Sanskrit]], which was added around 150 CE by Mahakshatrap [[Rudradaman I]], the [[Saka]] ([[Scythian]]) ruler of [[Malwa]], and a member of the [[Western Kshatrapas]] dynasty,<ref>[http://projectsouthasia.sdstate.edu/Docs/HISTORY/PRIMARYDOCS/EPIGRAPHY/JunagadhRockInscription.htm   "Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman", ''Project South Asia''.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223182107/http://projectsouthasia.sdstate.edu/Docs/HISTORY/PRIMARYDOCS/EPIGRAPHY/JunagadhRockInscription.htm |date=23 February 2009 }}</ref> and which has been described as "the earliest known Sanskrit inscription of any extent".<ref>|Meaning, that is not very short. Quoted from D.D. Kosambi in [[John Keay|Keay, John]], ''India, a History'', p. 132, 2000, HarperCollins, {{ISBN|0002557177}}</ref> Another inscription dates from about 450 CE and refers to [[Skandagupta]], the last Gupta emperor. Old rock-cut [[Buddhist]] caves in this area, dating from well before 500 CE, have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia Caves north of the fort, and the [[Bava Pyara Caves]] south of the fort. The Bava Pyara caves contain artworks of both [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]].

The [[Maitraka]] dynasty ruled Gujarat from 475 to 767 CE. The founder of the dynasty, General Bhatarka, military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under the [[Gupta Empire]], established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat around the last quarter of the 5th century.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ગિરનાર ઇતિહાસ {{!}} Rahasya|url=https://rahasya.onlinestauts.com/%E0%AA%97%E0%AA%BF%E0%AA%B0%E0%AA%A8%E0%AA%BE%E0%AA%B0-%E0%AA%87%E0%AA%A4%E0%AA%BF%E0%AA%B9%E0%AA%BE%E0%AA%B8/|access-date=2021-03-20|language=en-US|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512153241/https://rahasya.onlinestauts.com/%E0%AA%97%E0%AA%BF%E0%AA%B0%E0%AA%A8%E0%AA%BE%E0%AA%B0-%E0%AA%87%E0%AA%A4%E0%AA%BF%E0%AA%B9%E0%AA%BE%E0%AA%B8/|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

===Chudasama dynasty===
{{Main|Chudasama dynasty}}

The early history of the Chudasama dynasty – which ruled [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] from Junagadh – is almost lost. Bardic legends vary significantly in the names, order, and number of early rulers, making them unreliable as historical sources. According to tradition, the dynasty is said to have been founded in the late 9th century by [[Chudachandra]]. Subsequent rulers such as [[Graharipu]], [[Navaghana (late 11th century king)|Navaghana]], and [[Khengara (12th century king)|Khengara]], were in conflict with the [[Chaulukya]] rulers [[Mularaja]] and [[Jayasimha Siddharaja]]; and Saurashtra was briefly governed by Chaulukya governors during this period. These events are recorded in contemporary and later Jain chronicles.

In 1350, Junagadh was conquered by [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] with the help and forces of [[Koli people|Koli]] chieftain Jesaji (Jesing) from Ra Khengar.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Raymond Brady |last2=Trivedi |first2=Yogi |title=Swaminarayan Hinduism: Tradition, Adaptation, and Identity |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rs5JDwAAQBAJ&dq=Junagadh+Kolis&pg=PT93 |date=2016 |location=New Delhi, India |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-908959-8 |language=en |access-date=14 April 2023 |quote=The most famous leader of the Khant Kolis was Jesa or Jesing, who helped Muhammad bin Tughluq capture Junagadh (1350) from Ra Khengar. In return for this, the sultan is said to have bestowed on the Khants the hill of Girnar and the twenty-four villages of Bilkha chovisi.}}</ref>

After the end of the rule of the Chaulukyas and their successors, the [[Vaghela dynasty]], in Gujarat, the Chudasamas ruled independently, or as vassals of successor states, the [[Gujarat under Delhi Sultanate|Delhi Sultanate]] and the [[Gujarat Sultanate]]. [[Mandalika I]] was the first Chudasama ruler known from inscriptions, and during his reign, Gujarat was invaded by the [[Khalji dynasty]] of Delhi. The last king of the dynasty, [[Mandalika III]], was defeated and forcibly converted to Islam in 1472 by Gujarat Sultan [[Mahmud Begada]], who annexed the state.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Cambridge Shorter History of India |chapter=Gujarat, Malwa and Khandesh |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |year=1934 |pages=307–308 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283073 |access-date=21 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Studies in Indian History: Rajasthan Through The Ages: Marwar and British Administration |editor1-first=R. K. |editor1-last=Gupta |editor2-first=S. R. |editor2-last=Bakshi |volume=5 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |location=New Delhi |year=2008 |pages=22–23 |isbn=978-8-17625-841-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S7dCkiyLJ6EC |access-date=21 May 2012}}</ref>

The [[Uparkot Fort]] of Junagadh was occupied by the Chudasamas during the reign of [[Graharipu]]. It is said to have been later rebuilt by [[Navaghana (late 11th century king)|Navaghana]], who had transferred his capital from Vamanasthali to Junagadh. He is also credited with construction of the [[stepwell]]s [[Navghan Kuvo]] and [[Adi Kadi Vav]] in the fort. His descendant [[Khengara (12th century king)|Khengara]] is attributed with building a stepwell, [[Ra Khengar Vav]], on the way to Vanthali from Junagadh.<ref>{{Cite book| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=P7EHTBl_pyQC| title = Gujarat–Daman–Diu: A Travel Guide| last = Ward| date = 1 January 1998| publisher = Orient Longman Limited| isbn = 9788125013839| language = en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=gfaxCQAAQBAJ| title = The Heat and Dust Project: The Broke Couple's Guide to Bharat| last1 = Jha| first1 = Saurav| last2 = Roy| first2 = Devapriya| date = 15 May 2015| publisher = HarperCollins India| isbn = 9789351367505| language = ar}}</ref>

===Gujarat sultanate===
{{Main|Gujarat Sultanate}}
[[File:Bazaar in Junagadh.jpg|thumb|right|Photograph of a bazaar at Junagadh in Gujarat, taken by F. Nelson in the 1890s.]]
[[Mahmud Begada|Sultan Mahmud Begada]] changed the name of Junagadh to Mustafabad and built the fortifications around the town and the mosque in Uparkot Fort.

Under the [[Gujarat Sultanate]], Junagadh was governed by an official, styled ''[[wikt:thanadar|thanadar]]'' (commander), appointed directly by Ahmedabad. This official collected the tribute and revenue of the crown domain. The first ''thanadar'' was Tatar Khan, an adopted son of the Sultan and after him Mirza Khalil, the eldest son of the Sultan who afterwards succeeded him under the title of Sultan Muzaffar. Prince Khalil during his tenure of office founded the village called Khalilpur. The Sultan also installed Bhupatsingh, the son of the last Chudasama king, Mandalika III, in Junagadh as a ''[[jagir]]dar'' (feudal lord). The ''jagir'' allotted to Bhupatsingh was the Sil Bagasra Chovisi; and his descendants were known as [[Raizada]]. They continued to rule there. Bhupatsingh was succeeded by his son Khengar.<ref name="GBP1884"/>

After the accession of Sultan Muzafar, and indeed during the latter part of Sultan Mahmud's reign, the seat of government was moved from Junagadh to Diu owing to the importance of that island as a naval station and to check the ravages of the Portuguese. Tatarkhan Ghori was left at Junagadh by Malik Eiaz who himself resided at Diu. After the disgrace and death of Malik Eiaz, Tatarkhan Ghori became independent at Junagadh; and after the death of Sultan Bahadur, the Ghori family reigned independently at Junagadh, though still owing a nominal allegiance to the successive Sultans at Ahmadabad. This state of affairs continued until the first conquest of Gujarat by the Mughal emperor [[Akbar]], when Aminkhan Ghori had succeeded his father Tatarkhan at Junagadh.<ref name="GBP1884"/>

When the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] took over the ports of [[Diu, India|Diu]] and [[Daman, Daman and Diu|Daman]] in the 16th century, a fifteen-foot cannon, made in Egypt in 1531, was abandoned by a [[Ottoman Empire|Turkish]] admiral opposing the Portuguese forces at Diu, which is now at Uparkot Fort.

===Under the Mughal Empire===
;Ghori rule
In 1525, Khengar was succeeded by his son Noghan. Tatarkhan Ghori had now become almost independent. In his time Jam Raval conquered Halar and built Navanagar. In 1551, Noghan was succeeded by his son Shrisingh, who lived till 1586. During this time, Tatarkhan Ghori died and was succeeded by his son Aminkhan Ghori. In his time, Akbar conquered Gujarat, although Sorath remained independent under the Ghori rule. The exact date of Tatarkhan Ghori's death is not known; but from the mention of Aminkhan as his successor, it must have been from about 1570 to 1575. On the return of [[Akbar|Emperor Akbar]] to Agra in 1573, after the defeat and death of Muhammad Husain Mirzah and Ikhtiyar ul Mulk, he gave orders that Sorath should be conquered from Aminkhan Ghori. Vazir Khan attempted it but was unequal to the task. Great confusion existed now in Sorath. The Moghal conquest of Gujarat, the collapse of the power of the Gujarat Sultans, the encroachments of the Jam, and the assumption of independence by the Ghori all augmented the confusion afterwards increased by the escape of Sultan Muzaffar in 1583 and subsequent partisan warfare.<ref name="GBP1884"/>

During these disturbances Amin Khan Ghori and his son Daulat Khan Ghori espoused the cause of Muzafar, as did the Jam and Loma Khuman of Kherdi. The exact date of Amin Khan Ghori's death is not known but it was about 1589–90. Raizada Khengar also warmly espoused Mnzafar's side. After the siege and capture of Junagadh in 1591–92 by Naurang Khan, Syad Kasim, and Gnjar Khan; Khengar was dismissed to his estate of Sil Bagasra, and the Raizada ceased to rule at Junagadh. Daulat Khan Ghori died of his wounds during the siege, and henceforth Junagadh became the seat of the imperial ''[[faujdar]]''s (garrison commanders) of Sorath in subordination to the imperial viceroy at Ahmedabad.<ref name="GBP1884"/>

;Imperial rule
The first ''faujdar'' of Junagad was Naurang Khan and, next, Syad Kasim. The most famous were (1) Mirzah Isa Tarkhan (2) Kutb ud din Kheshgi, and (3) Sardarkhan. Of these Mirzah Isa Tarkhan ruled Sorath from about 1633–34 to 1642, when he was appointed viceroy of Gujarat. On this occasion he left his son Inayat Ullah as ''faujdar'' at Junagadh while he himself conducted the government of Gujarat from its capital, Ahmedabad. In Mirzah Isa Tarkhan's time the fortifications of Junagadh were entirely repaired. Kutb ud din was another ''faujdar'', and his tenure of office lasted from about 1653 to 1666. In about 1664, he conquered Navanagar and annexed it to the imperial domain. Sardarkhan also distinguished himself as ''faujdar'' of Sorath, both by the firmness of his rule and by his construction (1681, AH 1092) of the ''Sardar Baug'' (palace) and excavation of the ''Sardar Talav'' (main gate). He built a mausoleum for himself in the Sardar Baug, but he died at [[Thatta]], in Sindh, and is said to have been buried there and not at Junagadh. He was ''faujdar'' from about 1666 to 1686, but in 1670 he went for a short time to [[Idar, Gujarat|Idar]] and was replaced by Syad Dilerkhan. The last of the ''faujdar''&thinsp;s was Sherkhan Babi, who became independent and assumed the title of Nawab Bahadur Khan.<ref name="GBP1884">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c70MAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA711|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency : Kathiawar|publisher=Government Central Press|year=1884|editor=Watson|editor-first=James W.|volume=VIII|location=Bombay|pages=489–502}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

===Junagadh state===
{{main|Junagadh State|Nawab of Junagarh}}
[[File:Junagadh Nawab's and state officials, 19th century.jpg|upright|thumb|Junagadh Nawabs and state officials, 19th century.]]
[[File:Tomb of Mahabat Khan.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Mahabat Khan]]

In 1730, Mohammad Sher Khan Babi, who owed allegiance to the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] governor of [[Gujarat Subah]], founded the state of Junagadh by declaring independence after the invasion by the Maratha [[Gaekwad dynasty]]. Babi founded the [[Babi Dynasty]] of Junagadh State. His descendants, the Babi Nawabs of Junagadh—who were Babi or [[Babai (Pashtun tribe)|Babai]] [[pashtuns]] from [[Afghanistan]]—conquered large territories in southern [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] and ruled for the next two centuries, first as tributaries of [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]], and later under the [[suzerainty]] of the British, who granted the honor of a 13-[[gun salute]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/j/junagadh.html |title=Junagadh Princely State (13 gun salute) |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520212059/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/j/junagadh.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* 1730–1758 – Mohammad Bahadur Khanji or Mohammad Sher khan Babi<ref>[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S6U00070000 Nawabs of Junagadh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209012232/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S6U00070000 |date=9 February 2012 }} British Library.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title = Saurashtrano Itihas|last = Desai|first = Shambhuprasad Harprasd|year = 1990|pages = 746–748}}</ref>
* 1758–1774 – Mohammad Mahabat Khanji I
* 1774–1811 – Mohammad Hamid Khanji I
* 1811–1840 – Mohammad Bahadur Khanji II
* 1840–1851 – Mohammad Hamid Khanji II
* 1851–1882 – Mohammad Mahabat Khanji II
* 1882–1892 – Mohammad Bahadur Khanji III
* 1892–1911 – Mohammad Rasul Khanji
* 1911–1948 – [[Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III|Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III]]

====British period====
[[File:Drapeau Junagadh vector.svg|right|thumb|Flag of Junagadh, during the British period.]]

In 1807, Junagadh State became a [[British India|British protectorate]]. The [[East India Company]] took control of the state by 1818, but the Saurashtra area was never directly administered by the British,{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} who instead divided the territory into more than one hundred [[princely state]]s, which remained in existence until 1947.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} The present old-town, developed during the 19th and 20th centuries, constituted one of those princely states.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

The [[Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Junagadh|Shri Swaminarayan Mandir]] temple in Junagadh was constructed on land presented by Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala, and dedicated on 1 May 1828. [[Swaminarayan]] appointed [[Gunatitanand Swami]] as the first [[mahant]] (religious and administrative head of a temple), who served in this role and preached there for over 40 years.<ref name="Williams 2001 38">{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Raymond|title=An Introduction To Swaminarayan Hinduism|url=https://archive.org/details/introductiontosw0000will|url-access=registration|year=2001|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=United Kingdom|isbn=0-521-65422-X|pages=[https://archive.org/details/introductiontosw0000will/page/38 38]}}</ref><ref name="Ishwarcharandas 2007 94">{{cite book|last=Ishwarcharandas|first=Sadhu|title=Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami|year=2007|publisher=Swaminarayan Aksharpith|location=Ahmedabad|isbn=978-81-7526-302-4|pages=94}}</ref>

====Accession by India====
{{Main|Annexation of Junagadh}}

During the period just before the independence and [[partition of India|partition of India and Pakistan]] in 1947, the 562 [[princely state]]s that had existed outside [[British India]], but under British [[suzerainty]], were given the choice of acceding to either India or Pakistan. Although the states were theoretically free to choose, [[Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma|Earl Mountbatten]] stated that "geographic compulsions" meant that most of them would choose India. Mountbatten took the position that only states that shared a common border with Pakistan should choose to accede to it, but he had no power to impose this point of view on the states.

On 15 September 1947, Nawab [[Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III|Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III]] of Junagadh&nbsp;– which, although located at the south-western end of [[Gujarat]], had no common border with Pakistan&nbsp;– chose to accede to Pakistan, ignoring Mountbatten's views and arguing that Junagadh could access Pakistan by sea. The rulers of two states that were subject to the suzerainty of Junagadh&nbsp;— [[Mangrol, Kathiawar|Mangrol]] and [[Babariawad]]&nbsp;— reacted by declaring their independence from Junagadh and acceding to India. In response, the nawab's forces militarily occupied the two states. Rulers of other neighbouring states reacted angrily, sent troops to the Junagadh frontier, and appealed to the government of India for assistance. A group of Junagadhis, led by [[Samaldas Gandhi]], formed a government-in-exile, the ''Aarzi Hukumat'' ("temporary government").<ref>{{Citation |last=Lumby |first=E.W.R. |title=The Transfer of Power in India, 1945–1947 |publisher=George Allen and Unwin |place=London |year=1954 |pages=237–238}}</ref>

India asserted that Junagadh was not contiguous to Pakistan and, believing that if Junagadh was permitted to accede to Pakistan communal tension already simmering in Gujarat would worsen, refused to accept the nawab's accession to Pakistan. The Indian government pointed out that the state was 96% Hindu, and called for a plebiscite to decide the question of accession. India [[blockade|cut off]] supplies of fuel and coal to Junagadh, severed air and postal links, sent troops to the frontier, and occupied the [[principality|principalities]] of Mangrol and Babariawad, which had acceded to India.<ref>{{Harvnb|Lumby|1954|p=238}}</ref>

Pakistan agreed to discuss a plebiscite, subject to the withdrawal of Indian troops, a condition India rejected. On 26 October, the nawab and his family fled to Pakistan following clashes between Junagadhi and Indian troops.

On 7 November, Junagadh's court, facing collapse, invited the government of India to take over the state's administration. The Dewan of Junagadh, Sir [[Shah Nawaz Bhutto]], the father of [[Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto]], decided to invite the [[Government of India]] to intervene and wrote a letter to Mr. Buch, the regional commissioner of [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] in the government of India to this effect.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.hellojunagadh.com/history_letter.aspx
 |title       = Letter Inviting India to Intervene
 |access-date  = 16 October 2011
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120326005939/http://www.hellojunagadh.com/history_letter.aspx
 |archive-date = 26 March 2012
 |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref>

The government of India rejected the protests of Pakistan and accepted the invitation of the dewan to intervene.<ref>{{Harvnb|Lumby|1954|pp=238–239}}</ref> A [[plebiscite]] was conducted in February 1948, but it was not internationally monitored. Pakistan's claims were based on the logic of the Kashmir annexation, and not on the plebiscite, which went almost unanimously in favour of accession to India.<ref name=PacAff1951Furber359>{{cite journal |last=Furber |first=Holden |author-link=Holden Furber |title=The Unification of India, 1947–1951 |date=December 1951 |volume=24 |number=4 |page=359 |journal=[[Pacific Affairs]] |doi=10.2307/2753451 |jstor=2753451 <!-- |access-date=11 August 2020 -->}}</ref> Junagadh became a part of the Indian state of Saurashtra until 1 November 1956, when Saurashtra became part of [[Bombay state]]. In 1960, Bombay state was split into the linguistic states of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Gujarat]], in which Junagadh was located.

In 2020, Pakistan's government has maintained and revived its territorial claim on Junagadh, along with [[Manavadar]] and [[Sir Creek]] in Gujarat, on its official political map.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/world/pakistan-unveils-new-political-map-claiming-jammu-india-retorts/|title=After Nepal, Pakistan unveils new political map; Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh claimed, India retorts|work=Himalayan Times|date=4 August 2020|access-date=4 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1572590|title=In landmark move, PM Imran unveils 'new political map' of Pakistan|work=Dawn|date=4 August 2020|access-date=5 August 2020|first=Naveed|last=Siddiqui}}</ref>

===Timelines===

====Ruling dynasties====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Various Rulers<ref>{{cite web |last=Soszynski |first=Henry |title=Junagadh (Princely State) – (13 gun salute) |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/j/junagadh.html |date=23 January 2018 |website=Indian Princely States |access-date=14 September 2019 |archive-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520212059/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/j/junagadh.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> !! Time Period<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.nri.gujarat.gov.in/his-junagadh.htm
|title=History of Junagadh
|access-date=22 June 2010
|archive-date=25 April 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425072105/http://www.nri.gujarat.gov.in/his-junagadh.htm
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
|-
| [[Maurya]] Dynasty ruled over Junagadh || in 319 BC
|-
| Kalinga Dynasty ruled over Junagadh || in 185 BC
|-
| [[Greeks]] ruled over Junagadh || in 73–70 BC
|-
| Shaka ([[Scythians]]) ruled over Junagadh || 100–275 AD
|-
| [[Kshatrapa]] ruled over Junagadh || 276–455 AD
|-
| [[Gupta Empire|Gupta]] ruled over Junagadh || 456–770 AD
|-
| The Chinese Traveller [[Xuanzang|Hu-en-Tsang]] visited Junagadh || 640 AD
|-
| [[Chudasama dynasty|Chudasama]] ruled over Junagadh || 875–1472 AD
|-
| [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] Rulers [[Mahmud Begada|Mohammed Begada]], Khalil Khan || 1472–1572 AD
|-
| [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]]s ruled over Junagadh || 1573–1730 AD
|-
| [[Nawab]]s of Junagadh [[Muhammad Dilawar Khanji|Khanji]] ([[Babi Dynasty|Babi]] [[Pathan]]) ruled over || 1730–1949
|}

====Accession to India====
*15 Aug 1947 Accedes to Pakistan.
*15 Sep 1947 Accession to Pakistan accepted.
*9 Nov 1947 Occupied by India.
*10 Nov 1947 Rescinds accession to Pakistan, accedes to India.
*24 Feb 1948 Referendum approves accession to India.
*25 Feb 1948 Accession to India in effect.

==Geography==
[[File:Junagadh, India.jpg|thumb|View of Junagadh]]
[[File:Girnar Hills from Damodar Kund.jpg|thumb|View of [[Girnar]] Hills from [[Damodar Kund]].]]

Junagadh city is located at {{Coord|21.52|N|70.47|E|}} at the foot of [[Girnar|Mount Girnar]], with the Arabian sea to the southwest, [[Porbandar]] to the north, and Amreli to the east. It has an average elevation of {{convert|107|m}}.

Junagadh city has two rivers, the Sonrakh and the Kalwo, which is polluted from city sewers. The city has several lakes: Narsinh Mehta Sarovar, Damodarji, Sudarshan Lake, etc. Willingdon Dam, Hasnapur Dam, and Anandpur Weir are the main water sources for the city. Groundwater supply is widely available in the city, with wells throughout.

Junagadh's soil is similar to that of the rest of Junagadh district. It is deep- to medium-black coastal alluvium,<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://gec.gov.in/Publications/SOE/CHAPTER_2-3.pdf
|title=Soil Condition
|publisher=Government of Gujarat
|access-date=16 October 2011
|archive-date=5 October 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005084523/http://www.gec.gov.in/Publications/SOE/CHAPTER_2-3.pdf
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> due to its proximity to the sea, long shoreline, and nearby mountain ridge. Because of many fault lines in the vicinity, Junagadh is in a [[Seismology|seismically active zone]]. Junagadh lies in a [[Earthquake zones of India|Seismic Zone III region]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.vibrantgujarat.com:80/documents/profiles/junagadh-district-profile.pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215152332/http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/documents/profiles/junagadh-district-profile.pdf
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=15 December 2011
|title=Junagadh District Profile
|publisher=Government of Gujarat
|access-date=17 October 2011
}}</ref> which means earthquakes up to magnitude 6.5 on the Richter-scale may be expected.

===Climate===
Junagadh has a [[tropical wet and dry climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Aw''), with two distinct seasons: a dry season from October to May, and a wet season from June to September. The close proximity of the [[Arabian Sea]] and the [[Gulf of Cambay]] affect the climate. In the summer months, temperatures range from {{convert|28 to 38|C|F|1}}. In the winter, they range from {{convert|10 to 25|C|F}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/junagadh/weather.html |title=Junagadh weather maximum temperature in 2012 was 47 degrees Celsius and minimum recorded was 1 degree |publisher=Maps of India |access-date=16 October 2011}}</ref> From June to September the city is affected by [[Monsoon of South Asia|the Southwest monsoon]]. Rainfall averages {{convert|800 to 1200|mm|in}} annually. The greatest annual rainfall of {{convert|2790|mm|in}} was recorded in 1983, and the lowest total of {{convert|146|mm|in}} in 1987.<ref name="Annual weather report">{{cite web |url=http://www.jau.in/attachments%5CWeather%20Bulletins%5Creports%5C2010.pdf |title=Annual weather report |publisher=Junagadh Agriculture University |access-date=16 October 2011 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084811/http://www.jau.in/attachments%5CWeather%20Bulletins%5Creports%5C2010.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{weather box|location = Junagadh
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|temperature colour = pastel
|Jan high C = 27.2
|Feb high C = 28.3
|Mar high C = 31.4
|Apr high C = 32.7
|May high C = 33.4
|Jun high C = 32.9
|Jul high C = 30
|Aug high C = 29.3
|Sep high C = 30.1
|Oct high C = 32.5
|Nov high C = 31.6
|Dec high C = 28.7
|Jan low C = 13.1
|Feb low C = 14.7
|Mar low C = 18.1
|Apr low C = 21.6
|May low C = 25.2
|Jun low C = 26.5
|Jul low C = 25.7
|Aug low C = 24.7
|Sep low C = 23.9
|Oct low C = 21.9
|Nov low C = 18.3
|Dec low C = 14.9
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 0
|Feb precipitation mm = 0
|Mar precipitation mm= 2
|Apr precipitation mm= 1
|May precipitation mm= 33
|Jun precipitation mm= 118
|Jul precipitation mm= 372
|Aug precipitation mm= 291
|Sep precipitation mm= 116
|Oct precipitation mm= 19
|Nov precipitation mm= 5
|Dec precipitation mm= 1
|source 1= Climate-Data.org<ref>{{cite web|title=Climate Data for Junagadh |url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/5044/ |access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref>}}

==Demographics==
<!-- There is a separate article for the district, so statistics should be for the municipality only!! -->
{{As of|2011|alt=As of the}} [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Junagadh municipality had a population of 319,462.<ref name=2011Cities /> The municipality had a [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 955 females per 1,000 males and 9% of the population were under six years old.<ref name=2011Cities /> The effective literacy rate was 88%; male literacy was 92.46% and female literacy was 83.38%.<ref name=2011Cities />

Junagadh has relatively low to medium housing and land costs in comparison to cities like [[Rajkot]]. The city is rapidly expanding, and available land inside the city limits is now limited. Total area under slums is {{convert|19.5|km2}} (14.5% of the total municipal area) and the total slum population accounts for around 25% of the total population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=47 |title=Housing and Slums |publisher=Engineering Works |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511041016/http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=47 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{bar box
|title=Religions in Junagadh<ref>{{cite web |title=Junagadh City Census 2011 data |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/331-junagadh.html |website=Census 2011 |access-date=14 September 2019}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|orange|82.31}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|16.46}}
{{bar percent|[[Jainism]]|pink|0.67}}
{{bar percent|Others|#808080|0.56}}
|caption=<small>Others include Christianity, [[Sikhism]], [[Zoroastianism]] and [[Buddhism]]</small>
}}

The religions represented in Junagadh includes [[Hindus]], [[Muslims]], [[Jainism|Jains]], Christians, and [[Buddhists]]. Among these Hindus are the majority and Muslims are the largest minority group. Jains and Christians are present in considerable numbers. [[Sikhs]] and [[Parsis]] are very few in number. There are Tibetan migrants who practice Buddhism. The main language group is [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]. Others are [[Hindi]] and [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]. A small community of African origin, known as "Siddis", resides in and around the Gir Sanctuary, but some of them have moved to the city. There are around 8816<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://guj-tribaldevelopment.gov.in/downloads/ptg_development_plan_website.pdf
|title=Brief Profile of PTG Communities in Gujarat
|access-date=20 October 2011
|archive-date=16 May 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516001519/http://guj-tribaldevelopment.gov.in/downloads/ptg_development_plan_website.pdf
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> [[Siddi]] in the state and 65% of them reside in Junagadh.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.njas.helsinki.fi/pdf-files/vol1num1/lodhi.pdf
|title=African Settlements in India
|publisher=Abdulaziz Y. Lodhi, Uppsala University, Sweden
|access-date=17 October 2011
|archive-date=22 April 2018
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422114243/http://www.njas.helsinki.fi/pdf-files/vol1num1/lodhi.pdf
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> [[Swaminarayan Hinduism]] is also widely followed in the city. There are two Swaminarayan temples in the city: the old temple is managed by the [[Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi|Vadtal diocese]] and the new temple is managed by [[Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.swaminarayanmandirjunagadh.com/
|title=Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
|publisher=Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Junagadh}}</ref>

==Administration==
The city is divided into the main city, which is centered on Mahatma Gandhi (M.G.) Road and Kalwa Chowk; Gandhigram; Zanzarda Road; Talaw Darwaza; the bus stand; Sakkar Baug; Timbawadi; Joshipara; and Girnar Taleti. The city is administered by the Junagadh Municipal Corporation.

The politics of Junagadh city has always been closely contested between the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC) and the [[Bharatiya Janta Party]] (BJP). Other national parties are the [[Bahujan Samaj Party]] (BSP), the [[Communist Party of India]], and the [[Nationalist Congress Party]]. Regional parties active in Junagadh are the Mahagujarat Janta Party, the [[Samata Party]], and the Republic Party of India. Junagadh has 194,196 registered voters, of which 100,050 are male and 94,146 female.

Junagadh has one state-assembly constituency. The BJP won this seat in the 2007 election, with 52.36% of the 118,888 votes cast, with the next largest vote being 26.32% for the INC candidate.<ref>{{cite report |title=Statistical Report on General Election, 2007, to the Legislative Assembly of Gujarat 
|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2007/StatReport_DEC_2007_GUJARAT_after_IC.pdf |date=2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007040749/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2007/StatReport_DEC_2007_GUJARAT_after_IC.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2010 |publisher=Election Commission of India |access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref> Election for the state assembly is held every 5 years.

The Junagadh Municipal Corporation has 17 wards and total of 51 seats. In the 2009 municipal elections the INC won 26 seats, BJP 21 seats, BSP 3 seats and 1 went to an independent. While the majority of the seats went to the INC, the BJP candidates received more votes: 134,739, or 45.62% of the total, the INC receiving 120,533, 40.81%.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://sec.gujarat.gov.in/images/sr-6.pdf
|title=Municipal Corporation Elections: July 2009
|publisher=Election Commission of Gujarat
|access-date=17 October 2011
|archive-date=4 April 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404222027/https://sec.gujarat.gov.in/images/sr-6.pdf
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The Mayor, Deputy Mayor has terms of 2 and a half years.

==Utilities==
Junagadh's population of 452000 requires {{convert|30|e6l}} of water per day, which is supplied through 25,000 tap connections to three major surface water sources, namely Aanandpur Weir, Hasanapur Dam, and Wellingdon Dam, as well as to 32 wells. Junagadh has more than 1000 hand pumps and 200 stand posts situated throughout the city drawing from [[groundwater]] sources.

In January 2004, Junagadh city increased its area from {{convert|13.47|km2}} to {{convert|57|km2}} by annexing eight grampanchayats and one municipality. The newly acquired area has its own groundwater supply system of [[Tube well|bore wells]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=17 |title=Water works |publisher=Water works department, Junagadh |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511044229/http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The city generates approximately {{convert|150|t}} of solid waste daily, which is within the recommended limit, of {{convert|400|g}} per capita, per day, for domestic waste. The waste is collected by deploying 400 wheel barrows (six containers) as per supreme court guidelines and Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) rule 2000. The municipal council has set up 800 community bins for solid waste collection.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=21 |title=Solid waste management |publisher=Junagadh Municipal Corporation |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511044041/http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It covers 90% of city area. Junagadh's drainage system is {{convert|62|km}} long but it serves only 67% of the total area and 60% of the population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=10 |title=Drainage system |publisher=JMC |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512220814/http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Paschim Gujarat Vij|Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd.]] (P.G.V.C.L.), a state-run electricity company, provides electric power. Telecom service is provided mainly by [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited]] (B.S.N.L.); other service providers include [[Reliance Communications|Reliance]] and [[Tata Group|Tata]]. Cell-phone coverage is extensive and the main service providers are [[Vodafone Essar|Vodafone]], B.S.N.L., [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]], [[Idea Cellular|Idea]], and [[Tata Docomo]]. B.S.N.L. also provides broadband service.

The city has a good network of street lights. There is a total of 12,545 [[Fluorescent lamp|tube lights]] and 1523 central sodium [[street light]]s. A [[Solar power]] project has been approved for Narsinh Mehta Sarovar.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=18 |title=Street Lights |publisher=Junagadh Municipal Corporation |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511055831/http://www.junagadhmunicipal.org/pages.php?id=18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Transport==
Junagadh is connected to [[Rajkot]], [[Ahmedabad]], and [[Veraval]] by [[National Highway 8D (India)|National Highway 8D]] (NH8D). The city is connected to Mount Girnar by road, as well as to [[Bilkha]] and the [[Gir National Park|Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary]] in the south. Junagadh City Bypass on NH8D obviates the need for through-traffic to enter the city. Ferguson Bridge connects the parts of the city on either side of the Kalwo River. Another bridge spans the Sonrakh River in the northern outskirts of the city. Rickshaws are the generally preferred mode of transportation.
The [[Girnar ropeway]] is a [[aerial tramway]] located in [[Bhavnath]] locality of Junagadh city.

==Economy==
Due to its mountainous geography and forest reserves, Junagadh lacks major industries or plants. The main economic sectors are the mineral-based cement industry, agriculture-based industries, and the power sector. The presence of large reserves of [[limestone]] makes the cement industry a thriving industrial sector. Major crops produced in the district are wheat, oil seeds, cotton, mangoes, bananas, onions, and brinjal (eggplant). The total production of oilseeds in Junagadh in 2006–07 was 464,400 metric tons,<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/documents/profiles/junagadh-district-profile.pdf
|title=Junagadh District Profile, Agriculture
|publisher=Government of Gujarat
|access-date=17 October 2011
|archive-date=15 December 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215152332/http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/documents/profiles/junagadh-district-profile.pdf
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> which was the highest in the state. Junagadh is the largest producer of groundnut and garlic in the state, contributing 26% and 34%, respectively, of total production. Junagadh has Asia's largest ground-nut research laboratory.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} Mangoes and onions are grown in large quantities in the district.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

Some of the large-scale industry present in Junagadh are [[Mother Dairy|Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd]] (popularly known as Junagadh Dairy in the region), Agro Marine Exports, Creative Castings Ltd., and Austin Engineering. With an investment of INR 4,000 crore (US$975.6million), JSW Power Co. had proposed to set up a coal-based power plant at Simar Village, in Junagadh, but due to difficulties in establishing a port there, it has been shifted to the port of [[Dahej]].<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-01-11/ahmedabad/27834864_1_energy-sector-indian-coal-power-demand
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512095418/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-01-11/ahmedabad/27834864_1_energy-sector-indian-coal-power-demand
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=12 May 2013
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|title=Spotlight to be on energy sector
| date=11 January 2005}}</ref> Under the new government policy of encouraging biotechnology, Junagadh has been identified as an agriculture biotechnology zone. This will boost the establishment of agro-biotech industries in the district.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

Junagadh boasts of some of the best tourist destinations in the state, so tourism is considered to be a progressing sector. The state government has sanctioned the development of a Circuit Tourism project at Junagadh.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/documents/profiles/junagadh-district-profile.pdf
|title=Junagadh District Profile, Tourism
|publisher=Government of Gujarat
|access-date=17 October 2011
|archive-date=15 December 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215152332/http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/documents/profiles/junagadh-district-profile.pdf
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

==Education==
Junagadh is an education hub where people from nearby towns and villages come to study.

Schools in Junagadh are either municipal schools run by the municipal council or private schools run by trusts or individuals, which in some cases receive financial aid from the government. The schools are affiliated either with the [[Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board]], the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]], or the [[International General Certificate of Secondary Education]]. English and Gujarati are the predominant languages of instruction.

The city is home to [[Junagadh Agricultural University]].

==Culture==
Established in 1863, Junagadh's [[Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden]], also known as the Sakkarbaug Zoo, is around 210 acre (84 hectares) in size. The zoo provides purebred Asiatic lions for the Indian and international critically endangered species captive breeding programs. Currently, it is the only zoo in the country to house African cheetahs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://historicaljunagadh.blogspot.com/2010/02/sakkarbaug-zoo-junagadh-city-news.html |title=Cheetahs |date=3 February 2010 |publisher=Junagadh city district news}}</ref> The zoo also has museum of natural history.

Junagadh's many ruling dynasties—such as Babi Nawabs, Vilabhis, Kshatraps, Mauryas, Chudasamas, Gujarat Sultans—and its religious groups have influenced the architectural syles of Junagadh.

[[File:Buddhist caves, Uperkot 05.jpg|thumb|Buddhist cave in Uperkot Fort]]

The [[Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups]], with their intricately carved gateways, Chaitya halls, sculptured pillars, and sanctums are classic examples of rock-cut architecture. The Chudama Rajputs left specimens of their architectural style in Nabghan Kuvo and Adi Kadi Vav. Religious monuments such as the Jami Masjid remind us of Muslim architectural patterns. The Ashokan edicts is a classic example of old rock engraving styles. The Maqbaras and numerous age-old palaces in Junagadh tell the story of its rich historical and architectural past.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/junagadh/tourism/architecture.html
|title=Junagadh Architecture
|publisher=Maps of India}}</ref>

About {{convert|2|km}} east of Junagadh and {{convert|3|km}} west of the foot of Girnar Hill is an edict of Emperor [[Ashoka]], inscribed on an uneven rock and dating from the 3rd century BC. The [[Edicts of Ashoka|Ashokan edicts]] impart moral instructions on [[dharma]], harmony, tolerance, and peace. The rock has a circumference of {{convert|7|m|spell=in}}, a height of {{convert|10|m|spell=in}}, and bears inscriptions in [[Brāhmī script]] etched with an iron pen.<ref name="keay">{{cite book |last=Keay |first=John |title=India: A History |publisher=Grove Press |year=2000 |location=New York |pages=129–131 |isbn=0-8021-3797-0}}</ref>

The people of Junagadh celebrate both Western and Indian festivals. [[Diwali]], [[Maha Shivaratri]], [[Holi]], [[Janmastami]], [[Muharram]], [[Navratri]], Christmas, [[Good Friday]], [[Vijayadashami|Dussera]], [[Muharram]], and [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] are some of the popular festivals in the city.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/festival.htm
|title=Festivals celebrated in Gujarat
|publisher=Gujarat state Tourism
|access-date=26 October 2011
|archive-date=3 November 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103100444/http://www.gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/festival.htm
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

The Shivaratri Mela is organized at the foot of Mount Girnar (Talati) in the month of Maha (9th day of the month of [[Maagha]]). The [[mela]] lasts for the next five days. About 500,000 people visit Junagadh on this occasion.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://festivalsofindia.in/Bhavnath_Fair/
|title=Shivaratri Fair
|publisher=Festivals of India
|access-date=17 October 2011
|archive-date=1 April 2018
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401034218/http://www.festivalsofindia.in/bhavnath_fair/
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The Girnar [[Parikrama]] is also organized annually. It starts in the month of [[Kartik (month)|Kartik]] and draws 1 to 1.5 million people. People walk the periphery of the Girnar Hills on foot (about {{convert|32|km}}). Muharram is celebrated by Muslims. The ''sej'', which belonged to the peers or gurus of the nawabs, has been taken out; and a fair has been organized. Apart from these religious and national festivals, Junagadh annually celebrates its accession to India on 9 November 1947 as the independence day of the city.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://historicaljunagadh.blogspot.com/2009/11/junagadh-city-district-independence-day.html
|title=Junagadh City District Independence day November 9, 1947(Junagadh Aazad Din-Divas)
|date=12 November 2009
|publisher=Historical Junagadh}}</ref> 1 May is Gujarat day, to celebrate the formation of Gujarat state on 1 May 1960.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.cpahq.org/cpahq/core/parliamentInfo.aspx?Committee=GUJARAT
|title=Parlianmentary Details
|access-date=18 October 2011
|archive-date=4 March 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185957/http://www.cpahq.org/cpahq/core/parliamentInfo.aspx?Committee=GUJARAT
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

== Notable ==
* [[Bapu Velnath Thakor]], [[Koli people|Koli]] saint of the 17th century from Junagadh.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mandal |first=Bindeshwar Prasad |title=A Handbook of Sociology |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k2c9EAAAQBAJ&dq=Junagadh+Koli&pg=PA255 |date=2021 |page=255 |location=New Delhi, India |publisher=K.K. Publications |language=en |access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref>
* [[Narsinh Mehta]] - A Gujarati Poet
* [[Parveen Babi]] - Indian film actress
* [[Samaldas Gandhi|Shamaldas Gandhi]] - Indian Freedom fighter who fought for Junagadh

==See also==
* [[Girnar Jain temples]]
* [[Muhammad Junagarhi]]
* [[Girnar]]
* [[Gir Forest National Park]]
* [[Damodar Kund]]
* [[Radha Damodar Temple, Junagadh]]
* [[Baradiya]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Junagadh&params=21_31_19.9_N_70_27_28.4_E_type:city(319462)_region:IN-GJ GeoHack - Junagadh]

{{Commons category|Junagadh}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikivoyage}}

{{Gujarat}}
{{Princely states of India}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Junagadh| ]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Saurashtra (region)]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Junagadh district]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Pakistan]]